TripAdvisor ranks Anna Maria in U.S. Top 10

Monday

Apr 1, 2013 at 11:15 AMApr 1, 2013 at 4:20 PM

The website says visitors rate it the No. 4 island to visit in the United States

By JUSTINE GRIFFIN

Anna Maria Island — which already has notched national writeups from the likes of USA Today and Southern Living — added another garland, with TripAdvisor.com naming it among the top islands in the U.S. for visitors.

The 7-mile key off Manatee County was lauded alongside Kauai and Maui, Hawaii, and San Juan Island in Washington state by the popular travel website.

"To be considered in the same group as two Hawaiian islands is amazing," said Elliott Falcione, executive director with the Bradenton Area Convention Center & Visitor's Bureau. "Even with Marco Island, who ranked just ahead of us, that's really good company to be in."

Several Florida islands besides Marco were on the list, with the well-known Key West coming in last at No. 10.

The annual Travelers Choice Awards are chosen by millions of tourists from around the world who review destinations on the TripAdvisor site.

"Anna Maria is an absolute slice of laid-back paradise," TripAdvisor said. "Golfing and fishing are two of the most popular tourist activities, though an afternoon lounging at Bean Point beach is a must-do, too."

Anna Maria Island and its three cities — Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach — are known for their quaint feel and charming restaurants and attractions. The island's quiet nature attracts a different type of Florida visitor, often the opposite of those who opt for congested roadways and crowded venues at Orlando's many theme parks or Miami's South Beach.

"I've been to most places on that list and still love it here the best," said David Teitelbaum, the owner of four vacation properties. "Anna Maria is the cheese in the mousetrap for this entire region."

Southwest Florida has been enjoying a strong run of tourism recognition. Earlier this year, Siesta Key Beach was named one of the top beaches worldwide by TripAdvisor. It ranked second on a list of the top 10 beaches in the U.S., and No. 16 on the top 25 beaches on the 2013 Travelers Choice Beach Awards list.

Anna Maria's new ranking should help prolong what already has been a stellar tourism season.

"A ranking like this only adds to the island's credibility," said Teitelbaum, the resort property owner. "For TripAdvisor to make this kind of endorsement is only going to help the boost in tourism we're already seeing."

EARLIER: Anna Maria Island is one of the Top 10 islands in the U.S. for visitors, according to popular travel review website TripAdvisor.com.

Anna Maria ranked No. 4 on the Travelers Choice Awards U.S. Islands list for its white-sand beaches and laid-back attractions, such as golfing and fishing.

Other Florida destinations also made the list: Sanibel Island, near Fort Myers, came in at No. 6. Amelia Island, near Jacksonville, ranked No. 9. Key West ranked No. 10.

The annual Travelers Choice Awards are chosen by millions of tourists from around the world who review destinations on the TripAdvisor site.

"Whether you're looking for idyllic, palm-lined islands, or islands that offer a more cultural experience, you'll find inspiration in these lists," said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor, in a statement.

"From the world famous to the hidden gems, what unifies every award winner is the fantastic feedback from travelers across the globe."

Earlier this year, Siesta Key Beach was named one of the top beaches worldwide by TripAdvisor. Siesta Key ranked second on a list of the top 10 beaches in the U.S., and No. 16 on the top 25 beaches on the 2013 Travelers Choice Beach Awards list.